Jail Problem Must Be Pinpointed

Paperwork mistakes that free prisoners either before or after the proper time still plague the Los Angeles County criminal justice system. That’s the bottom line of an internal Sheriff’s Department report and the work of Times reporter Tina Daunt.

Fewer prisoners were released by accident last year, but another murder suspect was inadvertently released last Friday. He was captured, but that makes six accidental releases of murder suspects in about two years, with three still at large. Meanwhile, hundreds of other inmates have been improperly held beyond the ends of their sentences, contributing to county lawsuit liability and the jail overcrowding problem.

Capt. David Betkey, who oversees 200 Sheriff’s Department clerks, reports that clerks are not following guidelines put in place in the past year that were supposed to reduce mistakes. But in what office (courts, clerks, prosecutors or other) did the problem or error originate? A study would provide better understanding of how many county offices are at fault and bring the appropriate disciplinary course into sharp focus. Stiff punishments and outright dismissals are in order here, whether they involve incompetent clerks or negligent supervisors and prosecutors.

Finally, the Sheriff’s Department, prosecutors, probation officers and the courts should pay close attention to a planned computer system that should help eliminate errors. Many a federal, state and local agency has run aground on a computer system that came in way over budget and way below expectations. The best results would come from a closely monitored contract, with results-based payment schedules and specific performance objectives.

Until that system is in place, the county will have to pay much closer attention to the paperwork that binds it.